Texas State Association of Architects

of any magnitude. The expense to the owner is small corpared with the advantage of securing good and careful work. I have incidentally referred to the pernicious and almost universal system of letting contracts to the lowest bidder. We have all experience the evil results of this system. It is a thankless job for the architect to superintend the construction of work, when let to the lowest bidder, for less than its worth, for less than his own calculations show, should be the proper and legitimate cost. Instead of there being a feeling of confidence and trust on his part for the contractor, the contrary is the case. There is an abiding feeling of mistrust and apprehension, he is always on the qui vive and must be watchful to see that even reasonable regard is given to his plans, specifications and instructions. A plan has been suggested by which this may be remdied, and in many cases, especially in the absence of a clerk of the work, might be adopted with advantage. It is this: when the right is reserved by an owner or committee to reject any or all bids, and to award to any one, regardless of the amounts tendered, to give the work to the one who submits a mean proposal. That is to say, when there are six, eight or more proposals, take the sum of all and divide by the the number of proposals and award the contract to the bid which approximates the nearest to this amount. For these reasons: In the majority of cases where there are many proposals for the same work, we find some bids exceeding low, other ridiculously high, while others, the medium bids, more uniform. The low bidders frequently represent those who expect to make by sniding, slighting the work, using improper materials, taking a little here and a little there, and are satisfied to make journeyman's wages; the high bidders are those who, either from incompetency, idleness, or want of care, err in taking the quantities from the architect's plans, and in making their prices. As a rule the middle bidders are experienced, legitimate contractors, who expect a legitimate return for their time, labor and experience, and are careful in making their figures and can be relied upon to do careful work. Whether this plan would work, and whether it would prove satisfactory to owners and contractors, is a question I am not prepared to answer. Without committing myself as to its feasibility, I simply present it for your consideration. The increased demands of our clients in the application of scientific improvements connected with modern conveniences in house building steadily increase the duties and responsibilities of the architect; he is supposed to keep himself abreast of the times in reference to new inventions and improvements in all the mechanical branches connected with his profession. Time and labor being given to detail studies in matters of this nature constant increase, and with this naturally arises the question of proper compensation for such services. A year ago the Illinois state association of architects passed a resolution recommending a fee of 6 percent as a fair compensation for residence work; some similar resolution was passed at the last convention of our association. This is certainly a good move so far as giving individual members of the profession certain authority to deviate from the old established rate of 5 percent, if from the amount of attention and value of services they feel justified in doing so without injury to their own personal interests or state of their professional brethren. It will be a difficult matter to bind the profession absolutely in all cases to observe the regular rate, as there are time when the most honorable members of the profession are fully justified in deviating from the customary fees, which they could not insist upon with detriment to themselves. However, we all recognize the fact that the architect in the majority of cases is inadequately paid for his work, especially so in that of residences, and we must appeal to the honor of each individual member of the profession, of insisting upon proper recognition of the services rendered, and remember that the respect for our profession depends upon each individual one of us. Let it be understood that every honorable architect will be expected to live up to the reasonable charges established by this and kindred association, as closely as his situation will permit. Any person who, from interested and selfish motives, will endeavor to obtain work that another has partially secured, by offering his services at a reduced rate, or free of charge, as I have known cases, should be excluded from recognition and treated with the contempt he deserves, by all honorable members of the profession. At the same time, gentlemen, let us encourage a spirit of good fellowship among those who endeavor to honorably pursure their occuptation, be always ready to lend a helping to less fortunate brethren, and each and all of us do our best to elevate the standing of the profession. We are non of us perfect, nor is any of our work; let us therefore abstain from severe criticisms of little errors made by our brothers, and above all, not use such errors for advertising capital. Let us not forget to secure the confidence and respect of the public we must have confidence in, and respect for each other, and prove by our actions that the profession is represented by a class of educated, refined and honorable gentlemen. At the same time, there should be no hesitation in excluding from our ranks, and ignoring the pretensions of those who are not fitted education and experience for the practice of the profession, and more especially those whose practice has been of un professional and dishonorable character.

The following resolution was offered and accepted by a unanimous vote of the association

Resolved. That the thanks of this association be extended to Vice President James Wahrenberger for his [able?] and [?] address and that they be spread upon the moments and published in the next report

The President read a [congratulatory?] telegram from R C McLean of the Inland Architect Chicago

It was resolved that the Secretary be [instructed?] to return [?] thanks to the Inland Architect of the interest manifested in our good work

On motion of Burt McDonald of [?] the bill an act to regulate the practice of architect in the state of Texas be now taken up and discussed. Motion seconded by Geo E Dickey. Carried

Section 1 amended so as to read, be it enacted by the legislature of the state of Texas that it shall be unlawful for any person to practice the architectural profession as a business within the limits of this state except in the manner hereafter provided

Section 2 adopted as [?] " 3 " " " " 4 " " " " 5 " " "

Section 6 adopted as [presented?] " 7 " " " " 8 " " "

Section 9 so amnded that after the word for the aforesaid because

Section 10 amended by inserting after the word "board" of examiners

Section 11 adopted as presented " 12 " " "

The Comm on revision of the consitution and by laws architects J J Kane, Sam P Herbert, and Eugene T Heiner reported no changes necessary and [?] to be discharged from further consideration on the subject

On motion of Natl Tobey the committee was discharged

The following resolution resolution was offered by Burt McDonald of Austin

Resolved - That the uniform contract adopted by the American Institute of Archts, the Western Association of Archs and the National Association of Builders be adopted by the Texas State Association of Archts and recommended for their use when practicable. Resolution adopted

After an [?] discussion between members it was moved by Geo E Dickey that the chair appoint a committee of three member to report at the evening session upon a uniform contract between client and architect. Carried

the chair appointed the following architects as a committe on contracts. Geo. E Dickey, A.O. Watson, Nat'l Tobey on motion of J.J. Kane of Fort Worth. Mr [E. T. Refield?] was admitted as an honorary member by the association.

The following resolution was offered by J. J. Kane of Fort Worth

Resolved - By the Texas State Association of Architects that the Galevston Journal of Commerce and Building records be adopted as the official organ of the assoc.

Adopted

Wednesday Evening

The association was called to order at 2 P.M. President W.C. Dodson [?] the chair.

The auditing comm. reported the statements of the Treasurer correct and on motion of Bush McDonald the report was received.

The comm. on uniform contract between clients and architects submitted their report together with a form of contract and on motion of J.J. Kane seconded by James Wahrenberg the report and uniform contract was adopted and the committe continued

J.J. Kane chairman Executive Committee submitted the following report

To the president and members of the Texas State Association of Architects

Gentlement,

The executive committee beg leave to report that we have held our annual meeting and [transacted?] all the business that came before our committee. We find the annual report of the secretary correct and very satisfactory.

The [sec'y?] [motions?] of W. J. Clayton and W. W. Dudley was received.

We also elected as members of the assocition Geo. T. King, El Paso; Burt McDonald, Austin; M. M. McQurik, Dallas; Geo. J. Kane, Fort Worth; and J. R. Gordon, San Antonio.

We find the affairs of the association in a healthy and prosperous condition and a bright prospect for the future.

J. J. Kane Chairman Executive Committee

Moved by Nat'l Tobey that the report be received and ordered filed. Carried.

On motion of J. J. Kane of Fort Worth that $70.00 or as much thereof as may necessary be appropriated to pay the amount expenses and for publish 500 copies of the annual report of the secretary. Motion prevailed.

22 Proceedings of the Fourth Annual Convention

Moved by Nat'l Tobey that the report be received and ordered filed. Carried.

On motion of J. J. Kane of Fort Worth, that $75 or so much thereof as may be neccesary be appropriated to pay the current expenses and for publishing 500 copies of the annual report of the Secretary. Motion prevailed.

On motion of Jas. Wahrenberger. That the Executive Committee in conjunction with the President of the Association be authorized to employ a suitable person to aid in properly presenting before our legislative bodies "a bill," entitled an act to regulate the practice of architecture in the state of Texas. Motion prevailed.

Mr. Jas. Wahrenberger presented the following resolution:

Resolved. That a committee of three be appointed by the President to form a code of rules to govern members of the association in taking part in architect competition and to report at the next annual meeting. Seconded by Geo. E. Dickey. Carried.

The President appointed the following members as the committee:

Jas. Wahrenberger, J. J. Kane, W. W. Larmour.

The following resolution was offered by Burt McDonald, of Austin

Resolved. That the Secretary be requested to procure one of the groupe pictures of some of the architects and that a copy be sent to Mr. R. C. McLean, of the Inland Architect. Adopted.

On motion of J. J. Kane of Fort Worth, that a committee of three members be appointed by the chair to make nominations for officers for the ensuing year.

W. W. Larmour offered the following substitute that the election be made by open ballot. The amendement prevailed.

The result of the ballots was as follows.

For President, W. C. Dodson. Vice-President, Jas Wahrenberger. Second Vice-President, Nat'l Tobey. Executive Committee - J.J. Kane, Chairman; A. O. Watson, Sam P. Herbert, Geo E. Dickey, Geo. W. Stewart. Secretary, W. W. Larmour. Treasurer, Eugene T. Heiner.

In the ballot for holding the next meeting, Dallas, Fort Worth, Galveston and San Antonio were placed in nomination. San Antonio receiving the majority of votes cast, if was selected as the place for the next annual meeting.

The following resolution was offered by Geo. E. Dickey.

Resolved. That a vote of thanks be tendered Mr. Lane Orand for the use of the New McClelland hotel parlors and courtesies extended. Motion prevailed unanimously.

J. J. Kane offered the following resolution:

Resolved. That the thanks of this Association be tendered "The Day," of Waco, for their kindness in publishing the proceedings of our meeting. Carried.

Resolved. That the President shall appoint a committee of five members whose duty it shall be to endeavor to arrange with the railroads for excursion rates for architects attending the next convention.

The President appointed the following members as the committee.

Jas. Wahrenberger, Geo. E. Dickey, Frank W. Kane, W. W. Larmour, Burt McDonald.

Resolved. That the thanks of this Association be and are hereby tendered to the President and Secretary for their able services rendered during the past year. Carried.

The following resolution was offered by Sam P. Herbert:

Resolved. That the press throughout the state be tendered the thanks of this association for courtesies shown. Carried.

Moved by A. O. Watson that the T. S. A. A. now adjourn to meet at San Antonio the third Tuesday in January, 1890. Motion prevailed.

Officers 1890-91

President .................. James Wharenberger ..... San Antonio Vice-President .......... Nathaniel Tobey ............. Dallas Second Vice-Pres't .... Geo. E. Dickey ................ Houston Treasurer* ............... Albert Ullrich ................ Dallas Secretary ................. Geo. W. Stewart .............. Dallas

Executive Committee

J. J. Kane, Fort Worth, Chairman.

M. McQuirk, Dallas W. W. Larmour, Waco S. B. Haggart, Fort Worth J. Larmour, Austin

* Albert Ullrich was appointed Treasurer in lieu of G. M. Tozer, who withdraws from the practice of architecture.

Proceedings

of the

Fifth Annual Convention

of the

Texas State Association of Architects

Held in the

Board of Trade Hall, Dallas, May 13 and 14, 1890

Tuesday, May 13, 1890.

The meeting was called to order at 5 o'clock p. m., by President James Wahrenberger, of San Antonio.

In the absence of the Secretary, W. W. Larmour, of Waco, Geo. W. Stewart, of Dallas, was appointed Secretary pro tem.

The roll call showed ten members present. The reading of the minutes of the last annual meeting were on motion dispensed with, as the same were in the hands of each member of the association.

The President explained that the regular convention was to be held in San Antonio on the third Thuesday in January, but owing to the small number of members in attendance, the Executive Committee deemed it best after some preliminary work to adjourn to meet in Dallas on the 13th of May.

He also suggested that owing to the lateness of the hour of assembling, caused by the non-arrival of members of the association, only a short session would be held that evening.

J. J. Kane, Chairman of the Executive Committee, remaked that he had no report to offer, and did not think that a night session would be necessary as the Committee had not been able to meet he could not make any report, and moved that the Executive Committee meet on Wednesday morning at 8 o'clock and the regular meeting convene at 10 o'clock. Carried.

Moved by Geo. E. Dickey, seconded by A. Ullrich, that the Convention adjourn until 10 o'clock Wednesday morning. Carried.

Wednesday Morning Session.

The convention was called to order at 10:45 a. m., the Preisdent in the chair.

The roll-call showed the following members present: A. B. Bristol, G. E. Dickey, S. B. Haggart, Frank W. Kane, J. J. Kane, M. McQuirk, G. W. Stewart, G. M. Tozer, Nat'l Tobey, Albert Ullrich, James Wahrenberger.

The President, James Wahrenberger, then delivered his annual address as follows:

The Address.

Gentlemen of the Texas State Association of Architects:

Before proceeding with the regular order of business, permit me to address a few remarks to you gentlemen here assembled as representatives of an important and noble profession. I feel confident that our actions and deliberation will be of such a dignified and harmonious character, as becomes the nature of our occupation, and that the best motives, kind feelings, and a spirit of true fellowship will govern us in all our discussions for the benefit of our association and of the profession in the state. And after completing our labors may we all return to our homes with many pleasant recollections of this, our annual convention.

Important questions may be brought before us for consideration and discussion, upon which depends to a great degree the future standing and welfare of our profession, and let no member of this Association hesitate to express his views fully and without reserve upon all points in this connection; as the interchange of ideas and personal experiences can only be of great benefit in devising measures to be taken for the future welfare of the profession.

I desire furthermore to impress upon your minds the fact that it is of the utmost importance that more attention be paid to the affairs of the association by its members, and that its meeting be better attended than heretofore. In a comparatively new field, where the nature of our

occupation is not fully understood, and the labors of a professional man are to be peddled like a lot of merchandise, concerted action on the part of educated professionals become imperatively necessary.

The practices of ignorant and unscrupulous pretenders must be met with united, intelligent and persistent efforts of a thoroughly organized association, to place the profession before the general public in the dignified standing to which it is justly entitled.

It becomes the architect to stand before the public as a man, educated to follow a profession which makes demands for talent and attainments second to none in existence, for while it is necessary that we acquire a thorough knowledge of the principles of construction, and keep abreast of the times with reference to all new improvements made in the mechanical branches connected with the profession, there are also those aesthetical studies connected with the builder's art, that require much time and application in order to become proficient, and to keep up with the spirit of the times.

If the practice of architecture were simply to supply the ordinary wants and comforts of man, without cultivating the mind for an artistic taste, the same would cease to rank with the fine arts, and would descend to the level of an ordinary trade. Besides providing for the physical wants and comforts of our fellow-beings, it is for us also to satisfy those desires of a refined intellect, that move beyond the materialistic wants of every day life. Not to forget however, that the effects of beauty can therefore in no manner be that of shallow sensualism, but that of a true, moral spirit. We can never obtain the desired efect upon the beholder, unless the entire of our work, together with all its details, be so treated as to express a certain deep and earnest signification in the outward appearance of the design, as well as in its interior decorations and arrangements. By imprinting upon our work the prevailing ideas of intellectual taste, we create and further develop the peculiar styles that characterize the spirit of the age.

Monuments left by past generations teach use the history of people gone before us, and mark their progress in culture and refinement; they give us an insight to their religious views, and to the peculiar habits and customs existing in their time. The history of architecture as a fine art begins with the temple, the house of God, which in its various orms and details has furnished ideas that have led to further developments for the adornment of public buildings, and the decorative features of our homes.

In order to acquire a proper knowledge of the various architectural styles, and a correct understanding of the many different forms therein employed, at various times, the reason of their origin and their purpose, we must trace back the history of architecture and become acquianted with the prevailing ideas and views of the people in this connection, that have led the old masters to the development of these peculiar forms and compositions. As we do this, we find that in many cases one style has served as a basis for the gradual development of another, and as the peculiar ideas of taste, and of the grand and beautiful become more developed in certain directions, we are able to follow up the progress of the architectural styles from their origin to their highest state of perfection. Those of the profession who are so fortunate as to enjoy travels in older countries abroad, to view the monuments left by the old masters, at different periods of history, and also the grand works of modern times, derive the greatest benefit and the most valuable assistance in their studies of this kind.

That the same are of great importance, no educated architect will deny; they are essential to the designer in order to fulfill the first requirement of a design properly executed, which is that a building as a mass, shall at a glance impress the mind of the beholder with is importance, and disclose to him the purposes for which it was erected.

It has always appeared to me absurd, that public buildings like courthouses, post-offices, etc., at this age of steam cars and electricity, should be of such antique architectural styles as to remind us of the dark days of the inquisition, and of the carrier pigeon. Of that hideous nightmare, the so-called modern Queen Anne residence, perhaps the least said the better; and perhaps also of the peculiar misapplication of the misunderstood Byzantine and Moresque forms, in which some of the younger brethern of the profession seem to take a special delight to show their ignorance in architectural style and aesthetics, and which to a great degree may account for the deparved taste displayed in much of our modern architecture.

The arts of painting and sculpture are closely allied with that of architecture, and have at all times lent a helping hand in embelishing and decorating important works.

It is therefore required of the educated architect, to show good judgment and taste in employing the assistance of these kindred arts. They have been developed hand in hand with that of architecture. Mark the difference in the manner of employing them at different periods of history in connection with the architectural styles then in vogue, and compare

the severe stiff cold lines and coloring of the earlier days, with the graceful forms and beauties in the works of the Renaissance.

By reason of the amount of study to become well skilled in these beautiful and important branches of our profession, the practice of architecture should be entitled to stand as one of the most prominent practiced among the cultured and refined classes. That the educated architect does not yet fully receive the encouragement through a proper appreciation on the part of the general public which his profession entitles him to, and which he enjoys in older countries where the profession and its requirements are better understood, is a fact of which we have almost a daily demonstration in our practice.

However, of late years we may note a marked imporvement in this respect, with the wonderful growth of our country. The temporary log cabin of the hardy pioneer will soon exist only in the recollection of a few, and the time of the weatherboarded corner grocery and dry-good establishment, with a stock of patent medicines and the U.S. postoffice combined, is quickly passing by. The character of our public buildings is undergoing a marked change, and the importance of the profession is steadily increasing until it will eventually arrive at that high plane of excellence to which it rightfully belongs.

In the meantime, let us strive to establish those proper and correct relations which should exist between the honorable educated architect and his clients; we will thereby gain the confidence of the public, that is necessary for the attainment of our objects.

We have repeatedly and in vain petitioned for legislation to regulate the practice of our profession, and to protect us, as well as the general public, against the abuses and pernicious practices of uneducated and unscrupulous pretenders. While we should renew our efforts with increased energy and vigor, what the prospects for success will be in the near future remain yet to be seen. The average legislator is not given to much thought in matters of this kind, and as long as only questions of a political nature remain uppermost in his mind an encouragement in the promotion of science and the arts can not be looked for by any legislation in this direction in the near future. And positions held under the government by professional men, chiefly obtained through party infleucnes, instead of ability and personal merit, will for some time, still lack that moral influence and high honro due the profession.

However, it is for us not to become discouraged in our labors, but to renew the same with a determined resolution, hand in hand with those of kindred associations and with the fond hope that with the wonderful growth and increasing prosperity of this country, our unremitting efforts will be eventually crowned with success. In the meantime, let us meet in ocuncil, and advise with each other, as to the proper steps to be taken towards the public, to overcome the evils borne of unprofessional and unscrupulos methods, and present such professional facts, methods and ideas in a manner that the public mind must become educated to the importance of our occupation. We must form rules to guide us in our practice that will command the respect of our clients, with whom we have our daily business transactions, and the public at large will soon begin to appreciate our position. Let us also, not hesitate to exclude from our ranks, and ignore the pretensions of those who are not fitted by education or otherwise, to practice the profession; such, who look upon the occupation simply as a milch-cow, and especially those whose past career in the profession has been of a dishonorable character.

During the few years since the organization of our association much good has been accomplished; the interchange of ideas and personal experiences has been of great benefit to all of us; we have become united in one common fellowship, and have learned to struggle hand in hand, for one common cause. Our aims and objects are already beginning to be understood and appreciated by educated and well thinking men. Let us remoain united in our persistent efforts to ultimately attain the objects of our association, and aid in raising the profession to that high standing which it so fully deserves.

In conclusion, I take the liberty of stating to you, gentlemen, that my views in regard to architects' competitions as now generally conducted, have not changed in the least since expressing them at our last meeting at Waco. I still believe that the more architects respond to the shallow inducements offered in advertisements for these sham competitions, the more difficult the task will become to raise the profession to the standard so much desired. Good professionals should discourage such competition by paying no attention to them, and all competitions where are not made by juries of competent professional men, should be entirely ignored. The temptation, I admit, is sometimes great to convince an ignorant committee of the superiority of one's ideas expressed in his plans and specifications, but we may only succeed in our aims by sacrifices commensurate with the results to be accomplished. The methods of proceeding in these unregulated competitions, controlled by persons totally disqualified, have led to much dissention and ill-will among our professional brethren, and it is necessary that we have the